What We Learned from MARVEL’s JULY 2015 Solicitations

Marvel War Journal

1 of 12

The mystery of Battleworld only deepens as Marvel's July solicits hit the web. While there are some answers - like more information about Civil War - there are new questions as well, like just who is Battleworld's enigmatic ruler?

Fortunately, we've done the legwork to find the most interesting tidbits of information, and boil them down for you right here, as we do every month when solicitations hit the web.

So, without further ado, here are ten things we learned from Marvel's July solicitations.

Carnies of the Galaxy?

2 of 12

The world of Marvel's 1602 is expanding during Secret Wars, with 1602: Witch Hunter Angela already bringing in new faces to the world.

But now, with Witch Hunter Angela #2, it looks like the modern day Angela's erstwhile companions, the Guardians of the Galaxy, will be joining the world of 1602 - as a wandering circus troupe, no less.

Simone Bianchi on Star Wars

3 of 12

After John Cassaday was announced as leaving Star Wars with June's #6, Marvel rolled out the red carpet to announce Stuart Immonen would be drawing the book beginning with #8 -- but that left the question of who would draw #7?

The solicitations tell us that Simone Bianchi will be joining the book for a one-off story focused on Obi-Wan Kenobi. Marvel's C.B. Cebulski said that these standalone one-off issues would be a regular occurence for the series between arcs, moving forward.

Secret Wars Goes Monthly

4 of 12

After double shipping in both May and June, it looks like Secret Wars is easing off the gas with "only" one issue, Secret Wars #5, in July - July 1 to be exact.

It's interesting to see Marvel doing this at arguably the busiest time, media-wise, of the comics industry year with that of Comic-Con International: San Diego. It could work out well to give the creators time to catchup before any unfortunate delays beset the series, but also give readers a half-time like break before the final three issues.

This lines up with Tom Brevoort's statement that, while Secret Wars would run for 8 issues, but would last only 5 months. If that remains true, look for one more double shipping month between August and September.

Pym Is No Shrinking Violet

5 of 12

After telling Newsarama back in October that Hank Pym wouldn't appear in Ant-Man's first arc, it seems that the time has finally come or Nick Spencer to bring Pym into the Ant-Man fold.

Of course, Pym's inclusion in this annual raises additional questions about when exactly the story takes place - and when the OGN Rage of Ultron happens, given -- no spoilers here -- Pym's changed status quo at the end of that book.

While some theorize that Rage of Ultron is post-Secret Wars, will Ant-Man Annual #1 provide some clues as to Hank Pym's timeline?

Post-Secret Wars is Universe 2.0?

6 of 12

What's left after the final incursion? Not much, apparently. We know that Battleworld and the Guardians of Knowhere moon is all that's left of the many timelines that have been consumed, but the solicit for Silver Surfer #14 suggests that will also be a void left where the 616 used to be.

The solicit also suggests that Silver Surfer, with his "unheralded" new power levels, will be instrumental in crafting a new "Universe 2.0." While this may be contained to Silver Surfer, it does suggest that there will be more to life than Battleworld once Secret Wars concludes.

"Universe 2.0"... could it fit the mold of "Marvel NOW!" and other line-wide brandings Marvel has done in the past?

New and Returning Creators

7 of 12

In our round-up of new and returning creators, Sophie Campbell provides her first work for Marvel with a variant cover for Secret Wars #5.

Secret Wars Journal sees the return of artist Richard Isanove to Marvel after a two year absence. Secret Wars Journal also sees comedian Scott Aukerman providing his first non-Deadpool work for the publisher, likewise for fellow comedian Paul Scheer on Guardians Team-Up #7.

Daredevil and Punisher are ending

8 of 12

We've known for some time that most of Marvel's titles would be ending some time around Secret Wars, but now we finally have death-dates for two more titles.

First, it seems that Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are ending their landmark Daredevil run with #18 in August, as the solicit for July's issue #17 calls it the "penultimate" issue.

Second, it seems the latest chapter in Frank Castle's story is coming to a close this July, as the solicit for Punisher #20 promises it goes out "with a bang, not a whimper."

Owen Reece Died For Our Sins

9 of 12

We've seen Owen Reece - A.K.A. the Molecule Man - at Dr. Doom's side several times throughout the incursion crisis, but the solicit for Secret Wars #5 is the first time he's been talked about like a martyr.

Aside from the obvious religious connotation, does this mean that Reece - who wound up playing hero for some time after the original Secret Wars - could turn coat on Doom? Or is this a more nefarious turn of phrase?

President Stark and General Rogers

10 of 12

While we know a bit about the zone where Civil War takes place, the solicit for Civil War #1 gives us more clues about the world in which Captain America never surrendered.

The solicit refers to the forces of "the blue," and "the iron," suggesting that Captain America and Iron Man - or as they're referred to in the solicits, President Stark and General Rogers - are still very much on the front lines of the fight.

Battleworld's Boss

11 of 12

Throughout July's solicits are several references to Battleworld's ruler - an enigmatic figure whose identity has yet to be revealed.

First up, the solicit for Inhumans; Attilan Rising #1 refers to Meduas's "master," the ruler of all Battleworld, as Medusa squares off with Black Bolt, leader of Battleworld's resistance.

But there's another clue that Dr. Doom, revealed as the enigmatic Rabum Alal in New Avengers, may be the ruler of Battleworld. In the solicit for Siege #1, it states that "anyone who annoys Doom" gets sent to the Shield - the barrier that protects the rest of Battleworld from zombies, Ultron robots, and the Annihilation Wave.